Art in the OSF Library: Getting Started

Guide that showcases the temporary and permanent artwork on display in the O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library on UST's St. Paul campus. The guide was constructed by Cristiana Nita, class of 2011, and Susan Price, Reference Librarian.

The Art Work

This guide is designed to display all of the art work that can be found in the O'Shaugnessy Frey Library on the St. Thomas campus.

Stained Glass

Conrad Pickel Stained Glass MedallionsDigital images of the stained glass windows adorning the O’Shaughessy-Frey Library at the University of St. Thomas. More than 100 stained-glass medallions ornament the windows throughout the original building. Made by the Conrad Pickel Studio of St. Paul, these vibrant medallions include saints, Christian symbols, literary authors, works and characters, Catholic explorers of the New World, coats of arms of regional bishops, and branches of learning. Conrad Pickel was borne in Bavaria and immigrated to the U.S., eventually moving to Wisconsin. The Pickel Studios made stained glass for many institutions and churches.

St. Thomas AquinasThis 120 square-foot stained glass window in the stairwell to the tower was crafted by Dieterich Spahn of Wayzata, MN. The university's patron, Thomas Aquinas, is pictured with two distinct expressions. On the right, his face has a thoughtful and intelligent expression. On the left, he appears more sorrowful and compassionate. Together, Thomas is gazing on the crucifix with the combination of wisdom and compassion. The two phrases on the window come from the Breviary. Above the crucifix are Christ’s words, “Bene Scripsisti De Me Thoma.” (“You have written well about me, Thomas.”” Christ then asked Thomas was reward he would like. Thomas’ reply, which appears on the window as well as on the university’s coat of arms, is “Non Aliam Nisi Te.” (“None but Yourself, Lord”).

Your Librarian

Constellation Earth

Constellation Earth
Starting out the Library's collection of artwork is "Constellation Earth" located on the library’s entrance plaza. “Constellation Earth” was created by Paul Theodore Granlund (1925-2003), a well-known Minnesota sculptor. The bronze sculpture’s dancing sphere of seven human figures symbolizes the seven continents and the interdependence of human beings. The piece was commissioned for St. Thomas by businessman Thomas Coughlan in 1984. A duplicate sculpture was installed in 1992 in St. Paul’s sister city, Nagasaki, Japan, as a gesture of peace.